Unshaven second Test pitch 'scares' South African groundsman

19 February 2014 — 10:51am

Port Elizabeth: So green and furry is the pitch at Port Elizabeth that it even has its curator scared.

But it's unlikely to stay unshaven for much longer, with groundsman Adrian Carter admitting he's awaiting instructions from the South African camp to "see what they want" ahead of their second Test against Australia on Thursday.

The strip at St George's Park had a thick covering of grass when both teams arrived on Tuesday for their first training session in Port Elizabeth.

Carter told ESPNcricinfo he'd like to "give it a cut" but not before speaking to Proteas coach Russell Domingo and captain Graeme Smith.

Australian players warm up during a nets session at St Georges Park, Port Elizabeth.

Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

"That pitch scares me at the moment," Carter said.

"If it was left like this, I'd be sceptical even for the franchise game because I think there would be a lot of assistance for the seamers.

"It's very furry and it's green.

"I have had a phone call from the South African camp and I'll talk to them again and see what they want.

Mitchell Johnson was at times unplayable in the first Test.

Photo: Getty Images

"There's a lot of experience in (assistant coach) Adrian Birrell and Russell - between them they've coached here for over 10 years - so they know St George's as well as anyone."

It's understood the Proteas were disappointed with the bouncy Centurion surface for the first Test, which Mitchell Johnson took advantage of to claim career-best match figures of 12-127 and guide Australia to a 281-run victory.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin warms up during a nets session at St Georges Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Carter said that even with the grass covering, St George's would never behave like Centurion.

"This pitch has been slow for 114 years. I can't get it quicker," he added.

Loading

If South Africa are defeated in this week's clash at Port Elizabeth, it will be their first Test series loss since 2009.